Indian Expat Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Badminton in Dubai
52-year-old Ranjith Vijayan died of cardiac arrest after a badminton session in Dubai Land. He was a long-term resident with no known heart issues.
A routine morning of sports turned into a tragedy for a long-term Indian expatriate in Dubai when 52-year-old Ranjith Vijayan collapsed following a badminton session.
Vijayan, a resident of Ras Al Khor, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on Saturday morning, October 24, at an indoor sports court located within a school in Dubai Land.
A Sudden Collapse After Routine Exercise
The incident occurred after Vijayan had completed a standard two-hour badminton session, which typically ran from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. According to eyewitness Tito Thomas, a senior credit control manager and colleague, the situation escalated rapidly during the transition from play to rest.
"He experienced breathing difficulties and collapsed while moving toward his bag," reported Thomas.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, including CPR administered by colleagues and school security staff, and the swift arrival of an ambulance within five minutes, Vijayan was declared dead upon arrival at a private hospital.
A Health-Conscious Professional
Vijayan was a well-respected figure in the local business community, having served as the general manager for logistics and supply chain at a Dubai-based engineering and industrial solutions company for 26 years. Santhosh Kumar Parayil, the company's general manager for HR and administration, confirmed that preliminary reports pointed to cardiac arrest.
Remarkably, Vijayan had no previously known heart conditions. Friends and colleagues described him as a highly health-conscious individual who prioritized a good diet, maintained hydration, and attended regular medical check-ups.
A Pattern of Sports-Related Deaths
This tragic event marks the third instance in 2026 where an Indian expatriate has died following sports activities in the UAE. Other recent incidents include:
- Anwar Sadiq: A 43-year-old from Kerala who suffered cardiac arrest after a badminton session in Ajman on June 17.
- Safwan Shanu: A 38-year-old from Karnataka who collapsed while playing cricket in Al Garhoud, Dubai, on June 14.
Vijayan is survived by his wife, Rashmi, and his son, Rithvik. His employer is currently assisting with the repatriation of his remains to Kerala.